Nakobe Dean tells humorous story about Kirby Smart

As Nakobe Dean and the Georgia defense prepare to face Alabama, they are taking time to laugh at Kirby Smart. During his Monday SEC Championship teleconference appearance, the linebacker answered multiple questions about his head coach.

When asked to tell a funny story about Kirby Smart, Nakobe Dean jumped at the chance. However, he found too many examples to choose from and settled for an inside joke.

Nakobe Dean on Kirby Smart

“Let’s see,” said Dean, excited about the chance to talk about it. “I’m trying to think of something. It’s not like I don’t have a story. There’s just so many that come to mind. It’s like I can’t even — man. I’ll tell you a boring one because I’m drawing a blank for real.”

He continued: “One time (Co-defensive coordinator and linebacker coach Glen Schumann) had to go out and recruit. If anybody know Coach Schu, they know his meetings last forever. So he had to go out and recruit. So we had to meet with Coach Smart. And the way Coach Smart and Coach Schu run meetings, it’s just completely different. I know it’s not much of a story, but all the former players at UGA or who have been under Coach Smart and Coach Schu know what I’m talking about.”

Reporters, who have never been inside these position group meetings, asked for further explanation. Dean then provided a breakdown of the differences between Kirby Smart and Glen Schumann in a meeting.

“So Coach Smart does this thing where he talk fast and he just answer right after so he don’t give you a chance to answer,” Dean explained. “Coach Schu asks you a question, and he’ll sit there until you answer it. It would be kind of like you’ll be confused about what to say. Coach Schu just kind of asks it like open questions, like anything can be the right answer, but he’s looking for one specific answer. They know what I’m talking about if they’ve been in the meeting.”

Stetson Bennett’s mentality

Leading his team into their biggest game of the year on Saturday, Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett took time to reflect on the joys of football. Reporters asked Bennett on Monday during the SEC championship teleconference what he’s enjoyed most from his journey in Athens.

“I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” Bennett started. “I think just the coolest thing, if you just break it down, is just being able to play football. I love the game and what it allows communities and people to do, to come together and be a part of something bigger than themselves.”

He continued: “It teaches them about life. Allows little kids from rec ball on to be part of a team, which is so important, I believe. It allows them to get tougher. It allows them to see that there are ups and downs.”